Welsh corgi reunites with owners from Philippines in Newport

South Wales Argus

22-04-2025

Morty, a Pembroke Welsh corgi, made the arduous journey with his owners, Aira Bautista and her husband Stefan, earlier this year.
Aira says she and Stefan insisted they wouldn't move without their beloved Morty (Image: Aira Bautista) The couple decided to bring Morty with them when Aira was accepted onto a master's course at the University of Gloucestershire.
Aira said: "Bringing Morty, our Pembroke Welsh corgi, from the Philippines to Wales was a long and challenging process, but it was all worth it to have him with us.
"As his breed originated in Wales, it felt special to bring him back to his homeland."
Morty, who became part of the couple's family during the pandemic in March 2021, was a non-negotiable part of their move to the UK, despite the objections of Aira's parents.
Aira said: "My parents were actually against it at first because they said bringing him would cost a lot and so they just volunteered to take care of him in the Philippines.
"But we insisted we wouldn't move without Morty."
Morty was even part of the couple's wedding in July 2023, and is considered their "baby."
Morty has been part of their family since 2021 (Image: Aira Bautista) The journey from Manila to London was no easy feat for Morty, who had to endure 24 hours of travel, including an eight-hour layover between flights.
Aira said: "We prepared carefully, making sure he had all the necessary paperwork and requirements and was comfortable in his crate.
"Watching him board the plane was tough, but we trusted the professionals handling his transport."
Despite the long and tiring journey, Morty settled quickly into his new surroundings in the UK.
The family are now enjoying and settling into life in the UK (Image: Aira Bautista) Aira added: "It was a relief to have him with us, and seeing him explore the Welsh countryside made the effort worthwhile.
"The journey was long, but it was the first step in starting a new chapter together."
Pet Trans Pro Philippines, the transport company that helped reunite the family in the UK, commented on Morty's journey on social media.
They said: "After months of preparation, Morty the corgi has finally made it to London to reunite with his fur mum and fur dad.
"Now, he's home where he truly belongs.
"From warm hugs at the airport to cosy naps in his new home, Morty is settling in perfectly and enjoying every moment of his new life in the UK."
Chantalle Coombes, Aira's cousin and a local of nearby Risca, added: "Morty has won hearts with his remarkable journey across continents.
"We believe his story highlights the incredible bond between pets and their owners, and how even a small corgi can bring a big sense of homecoming."
Aira says she and Stefan, who married in July 2023, consider Morty their 'baby' (Image: Aira Bautista) Morty's story is a reminder of the lengths that pet owners will go to keep their furry friends by their side.
His journey from the Philippines to Wales is a testament to the love and commitment of his owners, Aira and Stefan.
The couple are now enjoying their life in the UK with Morty, who is settling in perfectly and enjoying every moment of his new life.